Macedonia Police Chief Urges Caution, Amid Car Break-ins
By Emily Chesnic
Macedonia residents are continuing to let city officials know they have confidence in Gov. Mike DeWine and believe in his ongoing response to the pandemic, with comments still being accepted on the matter.
At the close of 2020, City of Macedonia Councilman Dave Finley introduced an ordinance opposing DeWine’s executive orders to combat COVID-19, stating the orders have “limited the freedoms, livelihoods, and economic standings of the residents” of the community.
At the Jan. 14 regular meeting, Mayor Nick Molnar reiterated the ordinance was drawn up by one Councilman, and it was not done on behalf of the mayor. The legislation was not a collaborated effort by Council, he said.
Finley, as a member of City Council, can draft legislation for Council’s consideration, said Molnar.
“Mr. Finley, well within his rights as a Council person, brought this forward for Council to consider,” he said.
Molnar and members of Council said they have been hearing from residents, with some speaking emotionally, even expressing anger, regarding the proposed ordinance.
Clerk of Council Amanda Trzaska made a document, combining all the responses to the proposed legislation the city received for Council to review, providing a verbal summary of the feedback given.
“We would be here all night if I read every response,” she told Council during the meeting.
While Trzaska said a few responses to the pending ordinance expressed support for the measure, most of the given feedback voiced opposition to it.
“The majority believe DeWine is doing his best to stop the spread, have faith in his plans and don’t think he is abusing his power,” she said.
Finley’s legislation will go through three readings, with the second reading occurring at the Jan. 14 meeting.
If approved, the legislation would urge the governor to follow the Great Barrington Declaration, signed in October in Massachusetts by a group of infectious disease experts, expressing “grave concerns about the damaging physical and mental health impacts of the prevailing COVID-19 policies.” This declaration states those with a lower risk of dying from COVID-19 should be allowed to resume their normal lives.
Finley has said DeWine is limiting the economic growth of Macedonia’s residents and businesses, as many are barely staying afloat financially, and some have already closed.
He said he supports a “more rational and local approach” to the pandemic.
“For some this may be controversial, but this resolution is needed and reasonable,” Finley said last month.
Council is expected to vote officially on the Councilman’s proposed ordinance at the Jan. 28 regular meeting.
Molnar said residents are encouraged to continue to give input on the issue, contacting Trzaska by calling (330)468-8341 or emailing her at Atrzaska@macedonia.oh.us.
Vehicle Break-Ins
At the meeting, Police Chief Jon Golden asked residents to monitor their vehicles closely, as there has been a rise in break-ins occurring in the community. He said groups are coming from the City of Cleveland and entering unlocked vehicles, taking everything inside.
Golden said some residents left their cars unlocked, with the keys inside, and these vehicles were stolen.
Mayor Nick Molnar said break-ins have increased in all neighboring communities, as well, with Macedonia not getting hit as hard as other municipalities due to frequent patrolling efforts in the city.
Firefighters Union Agreement
Additionally, at the meeting, Council approved ratifying the collective bargaining agreement between the city and the Macedonia Firefighters, International Association of Firefighters, Local 3947 for 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Molnar said the negotiating process took more than a year, but both parties agreed to the terms, with the entire process going well.
The agreement updates the pay scale table, providing for a 2 percent pay raise for each year.
Mayor’s Report
Molnar gave a brief economic development update at the regular meeting.
He said Raising Cane’s Chicken is moving forward at the former Steak ‘n Shake location, working on the interior of the building at this time.
“This will be a nice addition to the community and fill an empty building during a pandemic,” he said.
While the mayor could not provide specifics at this time, he said there is a restaurant interested in the former Golden Corral location. The restaurant interested in the property is proposing to split the building in two, with another establishment to fill the other side. Molnar said this restaurant would be new to the community and would not offer “burgers and subs.”
The mayor said he soon would post information concerning the recent rise in property values in the community, which impacts taxes, on the city website, as he also has questioned the matter. He said the information explains the reasoning behind the increased values and was provided by Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise.
Other Meeting News:
• Councilwoman Jan Tulley was selected to serve as Council President again for 2021, with Councilman Vinni Ventura chosen to again serve as Council Vice President.
• Council agreed to again appoint Councilwoman Jessica Brandt a member of the Parks and Recreation Board.
• A public hearing on legislation amending sign regulations to modernize the code was held to start the meeting, with Council voting to make the amendments.
• Council continues to consider legislation to help monitor the length of time portable, on demand storage devices (pods), construction dumpsters and dumpster bags are left at properties in the city.
• It was announced City Hall will be closed Jan. 18 for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
• Brandt said a Parks and Recreation Board meeting will be held virtually Jan. 29 at 6 p.m.
• Fire Chief Brian Ripley announced 90 percent of his department employees have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination to better protect themselves, their families, and the community during the pandemic.
• Ripley also announced the Macedonia Fire Department is celebrating 100 years of service in 2021.
• Recreation Director Jason Chadock said he and his staff have been responding to heater issues with the pools at the center and monitoring the ongoing hot tub repairs taking place, as well.
• City Engineer Joe Gigliotti announced the Guadalupe detention pond project is complete and functioning.
• Service Director John Hnottavange said his department was “hit hard with COVID-19” late in 2020 but is rebounding, as his employees now are working the night shift to respond to winter storm events, as they develop.
• Finance Director John Veres said the city is hiring an accounts receivable administrator, due to a retirement, with applications for the opening being accepted until Jan. 21 at 4 p.m.
• An executive session was held at the close of the meeting, with no action taken, to discuss a matter regarding the employment of a public employee or official.